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Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on PetfinderFri, 31 Jul 2015 11:30:51 +0000en-UShourly1Moving Onhttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/06/moving-on/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/06/moving-on/#commentsThu, 12 Jun 2014 11:00:12 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=32750By: Kirstyn Northrop cobb Almost a year ago, I wrote an article about a senior poodle that I brought in. I named him Spike. Spike was a fifteen year old boy. He was vision impaired and hearing impaired when I brought him in. In time, we would discover that …

By: Kirstyn Northrop cobb

Almost a year ago, I wrote an article about a senior poodle that I brought in. I named him Spike. Spike was a fifteen year old boy. He was vision impaired and hearing impaired when I brought him in. In time, we would discover that he had gone into heart failure and would soon become totally blind and deaf. Still, his nose worked well enough that he could sense where I was and he followed me everywhere. Spike was by far the bossiest of all my dogs and told my other dogs (and pig!) who was boss all the time and they totally respected him.

Recently, Spike lost the use of his back legs. We rushed him to the vet who told us that, at sixteen years old, it was probably time. We held him as he passed away peacefully.

Spike was only with us for a year, but in that time, I had come to love him very much.

The next day, I received an urgent call from a local shelter. They had a poodle who was in serious need of a foster home because he was terrified at the shelter. I picked him up and brought him home. He was terrified and did need some TLC. I worked with him, had him vetted, had him groomed and prepared him for a good home.

I thought about keeping him, filling the void left by Spike, but he just wasn’t the one for me. There was nothing wrong with him and he was a sweet little boy, but he wasn’t my Spike.

I feel that he came into my life at the right time. He helped to distract me and helped me to get through my grief. I helped him to get ready for a forever home. He has since been adopted.

I will never forget Spike. I loved that little guy. I will never regret my choice to adopt a senior dog. Was he in my life for a shorter period of time than I would like? Yes, but aren’t all dogs? Would I do it again in a heartbeat? Absolutely. But, I will continue to distract myself by fostering. I will continue to help dogs who need me and life will go on. And in time, will I find another senior poodle who will become my sidekick? I am sure of it.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/06/moving-on/feed/0Meet Spike!2May is National Pet Month!https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/05/may-is-national-pet-month/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/05/may-is-national-pet-month/#commentsMon, 05 May 2014 11:00:57 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=32364This month, it’s all about “Pawing it Forward” for pets, with or without forever homes. In the spirit of National Pet Month, here are some ways you can Paw It Forward for homeless pets: Adopt: The best way to help a pet waiting on a forever home? Be that forever home! …

]]>This month, it’s all about “Pawing it Forward” for pets, with or without forever homes. In the spirit of National Pet Month, here are some ways you can Paw It Forward for homeless pets:

Adopt: The best way to help a pet waiting on a forever home? Be that forever home! If you’re looking to add a pet to your family, please consider adopting through your local shelter or rescue. You’ll get a lifelong friend in return!

Donate: Every bit counts! If you aren’t able to donate financially, you can always donate your time, skills, or supplies.

Educate: The best way to end pet homelessness is to help others understand the problem. Sharing articles on social media, writing a letter to the editor of your local paper, and volunteering at adoption events are all effective ways to make your voice heard and to spread the message in your community!

Share: Besides being a great way to keep up with the family and friends, social networks like Facebook and Twitter are useful for finding forever homes for adoptable pets. Share an available cat or dog to your social networks to help that pet find a home!

Train: Are you a master at teaching your pup to sit, lie down, or stay? Share your expertise at a rescue or shelter! Knowing some basic commands can help many dogs to be more adoptable.

Play: Who doesn’t love a little one on one attention? Playing with sheltered cats or dogs will help to socialize them more quickly, making them more likely to find forever homes.

Foster: Not sure you have the time or resources to dedicate to adding a pet to your family permanently? You can foster a pet temporarily until the right forever home is found. It’s a wonderful way to give back, as well as an opportunity to see what having a pet is all about before you make a lifetime commitment yourself.

Volunteer: Volunteers are essential to helping shelters and rescues achieve their mission of finding forever homes for pets. Just a few hours a month will make a world of difference!

Join the conversation on social media to see how others are taking part and add your own ideas by using #PawItForward!

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/05/may-is-national-pet-month/feed/0nationalpetmonthDogs’ facial expressions can say, “Adopt me”https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/01/dogs-facial-expressions-can-say-adopt-me/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/01/dogs-facial-expressions-can-say-adopt-me/#commentsThu, 09 Jan 2014 12:30:25 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=31487This photo of Chuck, snapped at Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter and put on Petfinder, tugged at my heart strings, and in no time at all, my husband and I were on our way to Mississippi to adopt him. Now, a recent article in The Telegraph, a UK newspaper, tells me …

The article reported on a recent study at the University of Portsmouth in the UK. A research team studied 27 shelter dogs, all Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Mastiffs, and analyzed their facial expressions as potential adopters stood in front of their cages. The dogs who raised their inner brows and widened their eyes were adopted faster than those who did not.

The research suggests that wolves that had these child-like expressions might have been more tolerated by humans, thus the characteristics were selected for as wolves moved toward domestication.

Dr. Juliane Kaminski, head of the Dog Cognition Centre at the University and co-author of the study, adds that “it is highly likely that these facial expressions do not make a dog a better pet than one that doesn’t widen its eyes, but this superficial trait is still preferred over other traits, such as tail wagging.”

Well, raised inner brows certainly worked on me. Chuck, now named Cooper, is firmly ensconced in our family.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/01/dogs-facial-expressions-can-say-adopt-me/feed/0Chuck’s raised inner brows helped him find a home.Chuck's Petfinder photoThe fourth way to help pets? Submit a Happy Tail!https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/12/the-fourth-way-to-help-pets-submit-a-happy-tail-12-ways-to-help-pets/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/12/the-fourth-way-to-help-pets-submit-a-happy-tail-12-ways-to-help-pets/#commentsMon, 16 Dec 2013 12:00:58 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=31187Already adopted? This fourth way to help pets will be easy for you! Learn how Happy Tails help pets, then be sure to pledge to help pets for a chance to win! Each month visitors to Petfinder look at an average of 50,000 pages of happy tails. How does this help …

Each month visitors to Petfinder look at an average of 50,000 pages of happy tails. How does this help homeless pets? These stories may encourage people who are considering adopting to take the leap. They also provide inspiration and encouragement to shelter and rescue workers and volunteers to remind them of the impact of their work. Submitting your own positive experience may give people the little nudge they need to adopt or keep working and hoping.

Pin this image to inspire your friends to pledge to help pets!

Happy Tails also help educate visitors and offer support as well. Candace Slocumb’s Happy Tail shows that Pit Bulls aren’t the scary dogs some sensational news stories make them out to be. In fact they make wonderful pets. They adopted a two-year-old Pit Bull, Dixie, at Gwinnett County Animal Control and Welfare in Georgia and have had nothing but love and joy from their experience. Read more about pit bulls.

Stella Luna dispels the idea that black cats bring bad luck.

Or take Victoria Greenleaf’s Happy Tail about Stella Luna, a beautiful black cat she adopted. Stella had been in the shelter for quite a while because some people are superstitious about black cats and won’t adopt one. Victoria notes that Stella is the “sweetest cat ever” — and her Happy Tail might prod someone to overcome their unfounded fears. Stella was at South Shore Humane Society, Braintree, MA.

Rick Springer’s Happy Tail tells us that a dog can come with lots of issues, but they can also be the kindest and most gentle ones. They can teach us acceptance and patience. Rick adopted an English Bulldog named Gertie, who was heartworm positive, among other things. But finally he asks the oft-repeated question among Happy Tail writers: Who rescued whom?

Stories about adopters’ experiences with young pets can help furnish support to other adopters, and the joys of older, more settled pets confirms that even senior companion animals can settle comfortably into new homes. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Your story doesn’t have to be one about adopting a breed that suffers discrimination or anything else so dramatic. By relating how loving pets of all sizes, ages, genders and breeds can bring joy to a family, you can help other people make the decision to adopt a homeless pet rather than buy one at a pet store. Share your story; make a difference.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/12/the-fourth-way-to-help-pets-submit-a-happy-tail-12-ways-to-help-pets/feed/0cat-dog-12-ways-to-help-pets-day-412-days-submit-a-happy-tailStella Luna dispels the idea that black cats bring bad luck.NYC’s Animal Care & Control identifies NY’s kindesthttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/nycs-animal-care-control-identifies-nys-kindest/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/nycs-animal-care-control-identifies-nys-kindest/#commentsThu, 09 May 2013 11:30:26 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=22666As the head of Petfinder’s shelter outreach department, I know the kindest people are the ones who adopt. About a month ago, Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) kicked off a new campaign celebrating New York’s Kindest through major public awareness efforts. The campaign encourages New Yorkers …

]]>As the head of Petfinder’s shelter outreach department, I know the kindest people are the ones who adopt. About a month ago, Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) kicked off a new campaign celebrating New York’s Kindest through major public awareness efforts. The campaign encourages New Yorkers to support their city shelter by adopting, volunteering and donating to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals.

Animal Care & Control adopter Vineshia with Cowboy

The ads, featuring AC&C adopters, volunteers, and donors with the cats and dogs they love, have appeared on subway platforms, in subway cars, in local publications and online. The AC&C rescues more than 30,000 of New York’s homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned animals each year. The campaign creation was graciously donated by marketing and design professionals, several of whom are Animal Care & Control adopters and a pro bono media buyer helped get great rates in various media outlets.

People often underestimate the strain their local shelter is under taking care of pets in need. Getting a community involved with their animal shelter is integral to that shelter’s success rate in rehoming pets and helping to pets stay in their homes. When you’re dealing with a “community” of more than 8 million people and their pets, getting the public on-board is a necessity. An ad campaign appearing around the city helps motivate people to adopt, be kinder to their own pets and can simply just raise awareness that a shelter exists!

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/nycs-animal-care-control-identifies-nys-kindest/feed/0Vineshia & CowboyAnimal Care & Control adopter Vineshia with CowboyACC_Rock_RawhideKylie, Sean-Patrick and Rolo of Rock & RawhideWe need to share how awesome shelter pets arehttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/we-need-to-share-how-awesome-shelter-pets-are/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/we-need-to-share-how-awesome-shelter-pets-are/#commentsThu, 02 May 2013 16:00:47 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=24106We have some work to do! Yes, all of us. A survey by Best Friends Animal Society of Kanab, Utah, revealed that 46% of young adults 18 to 24 years old said they would be more likely to purchase a pet from a breeder than adopt one from a shelter …

According to the survey responses, they tend to think that shelter animals are less desirable. Not only that, but they don’t think shelter animals are at risk — even though, according to the ASPCA, between 3 million and 4 million shelter pets are euthanized each year in the United States. (70% of cats in shelters are euthanized, as you can see in our infographic) The same percentage of young adults thought that pets would remain in the shelters until they were adopted. Most likely they don’t know that many shelters are open admission, accepting all animals brought to them and simply don’t have the money or space to keep pets indefinitely.

86% of all adults surveyed consider themselves advocates of adoption, according to an article by Business Wire, but sadly only about 60% would first look to adopt rather than purchase a pet from a breeder.

Our job is to let people know that shelter pets are not damaged goods. They get put in shelters for all sorts of reasons, often through no faults of their own — and they make great and loving pets, maybe even more loving because of the experiences that brought them there in the first place, like being abandoned or mistreated. Certainly that’s the story we hear from adopters.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/05/we-need-to-share-how-awesome-shelter-pets-are/feed/0dog-adoptable-mackenzieAn adoptable Cocker in Austin, TX.Helping Hoda Kotb find the perfect match on the Today Showhttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/03/helping-hoda-find-the-perfect-match-on-the-today-show/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/03/helping-hoda-find-the-perfect-match-on-the-today-show/#commentsWed, 27 Mar 2013 01:19:18 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/?p=21580I’m always thrilled when I learn that people have chosen to adopt when adding a furry friend to the family. With hundreds of thousands of adoptables on Petfinder alone, the need for loving homes is great. So, I was even more delighted to learn that one of our favorite morning …

I’m always thrilled when I learn that people have chosen to adopt when adding a furry friend to the family. With hundreds of thousands of adoptables on Petfinder alone, the need for loving homes is great. So, I was even more delighted to learn that one of our favorite morning personalities, Today Show‘s Hoda Kotb, was looking at Petfinder for the perfect match.

After finding out about Hoda’s lifestyle and what type of dog might fit best in her home, the search was on to find a select group that might be her new sidekick (don’t worry, Kathie Lee’s not going anywhere!). Today we were joined on a sunny day in New York City’s Central Park by 10 pup candidates from several of our member rescues: Animal Haven, PAWS Chicago, Phoenix Animal Rescue and Shih Tzu and Furbaby Rescue. With Kathie Lee (a proud mom to three pups) as Hoda’s guide, everyone was in good hands…literally.

To find out who Hoda found kismet with, tune into the Today Show Wednesday morning in the 10am ET hour. In addition to meeting Hoda’s new fur-ever friend, you’ll also meet all the adoptables (nine of whom are still looking for families):

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2013/03/helping-hoda-find-the-perfect-match-on-the-today-show/feed/0Cinnamon was curious about the cameras. Will he be Hoda’s match?Cinnamon was curious about the cameras. Will he be Hoda's match?Dr. Ward tackles pet obesity with ‘Home and Family’https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/12/dr-ward-tackles-pet-obesity/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/12/dr-ward-tackles-pet-obesity/#commentsFri, 21 Dec 2012 12:30:14 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/blog/?p=5481We’ve all heard about our nation’s obesity epidemic, and there are countless books, articles, websites, TV shows and other resources dedicated to helping people get healthy. But did you know that it is estimated that 54% of pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese? This is a figure that’s …

We’ve all heard about our nation’s obesity epidemic, and there are countless books, articles, websites, TV shows and other resources dedicated to helping people get healthy. But did you know that it is estimated that 54% of pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese?

Measure Your Pet’s Food: Don’t rely on sight, instead use a measuring cup, keeping in mind that the recommended servings on most packaged foods are for the most nutritionally needy pets and that you should adjust this based on your pet’s age, activity level and other important factors.

Treat Your Pets…But Sensibly: If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a whine or pleading face (my dog Bea is an expert), you know that resistance is futile. Keep in mind that packaged treats are often highly caloric and don’t hesitate to enlist fresh options that you and your pet can share, like fresh veggies for your dog or fresh tuna or salmon for your cat.

Get Active: While diet is the bulk of the battle, exercise is important to the health and happiness of all pets. Don’t let the colder weather or shorter daylight hours prevent you and your pet from getting needed exercise. If your dog gets cold easily (like mine), buy a coat or sweater to make them more comfortable. If you have a cat or the weather prohibits extended trips outside, play games inside and enlist interactive toys to make playtime in smaller quarters fun.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/12/dr-ward-tackles-pet-obesity/feed/0Dog Dental Care: An IntroductionGood dental hygiene may prolong your dog's life, because infected gums release bacteria into the bloodstream that can attack organs throughout the body. Learn how to keep your dog's teeth clean here.When it comes to rescue, sometimes it takes a villagehttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/11/when-it-comes-to-rescue-sometimes-it-takes-a-village/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/11/when-it-comes-to-rescue-sometimes-it-takes-a-village/#commentsThu, 22 Nov 2012 19:34:06 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/blog/?p=4873Thanksgiving is a time of the year when we reflect upon all the things that we are grateful for. Among the many things I have to be grateful for, one of them is the many people who helped me adopt my cat Oliver. One humid day in August of 2011, …

]]>Thanksgiving is a time of the year when we reflect upon all the things that we are grateful for. Among the many things I have to be grateful for, one of them is the many people who helped me adopt my cat Oliver.

The first photo Kate sent from St. Croix to introduce me to Yoda, now Oliver.

One humid day in August of 2011, I got a message from Kate, a former Washington Humane Society (WHS) co-worker. Kate was now living on the island of St. Croix, along with another former WHS co-worker, Laura, and both were working for the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. Kate and I knew one another well, and she knew I liked Siamese cats, so she asked me if I had room in my heart and in my home for a small male kitten she found at the town dump along with his two sisters.

I already had three cats (all adopted from WHS) and I was not sure if it was wise to add another cat to the mix. I told Kate and Laura that I would need time to think about adopting the kitten. And while I was taking time to ponder if adopting the kitten was wise or not, Hurricane Irene swept through the Caribbean and damaged their shelter. I realized then that the kitten needed a home, and the hurricane was a sign that the little boy should come live with me.

I wrote to Kate and Laura and told them that I wanted to adopt the kitten. Shortly thereafter they contacted yet another former WHS co-worker, Lauren, who was now working for Greenbelt Animal Control in Maryland near to where I lived. Laura and Kate arranged for a volunteer to take the kitten in a little carrier with him on a flight to Reagan National Airport, where Lauren picked the kitten up and brought him back to her shelter. As soon as I got home from work that day, I drove to Lauren’s shelter and adopted my kitten.

The kitten was named Yoda, but we all agreed he needed a new name. After much debate I texted the three ladies three potential names for the kitten: Merlin, Houdini and Oliver. The text messages I got back were unanimous — the kitten would be named Oliver!

To this day I stay in touch with all three of the amazing women who helped me adopt Oliver. I frequently share pictures of him with them on Facebook and have shared the blog posts I’ve written about Oliver with them. I stay in touch with them because they are my friends and fellow animal welfare advocates, but also because I am deeply grateful for their help. Laura and Kate fostered the kitten who was malnourished and small for his age in their home, and Lauren even got a flat tire driving the kitten to her shelter from the airport!

I am grateful to the volunteer, whose name I do not know, for taking Oliver along with him on his flight back to the mainland, and I am grateful to both the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and Greenbelt Animal Control for the roles both of those shelters played in adding Oliver to my family.

As the adage goes: Sometimes it takes a village. And in Oliver’s case it did. Rescue is often a team effort and without the help of many people, I would not have the joy of Oliver in my life.

So from Oliver, Helen, Jasmine Sassylashes, Guinness and myself: Happy Thanksgiving to each and every person out there who had lent a hand and helped a homeless pet along their journey to their new and loving home.

]]>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/11/when-it-comes-to-rescue-sometimes-it-takes-a-village/feed/0Treating Pain in PetsTogether we’re putting adoptable pets in the spotlighthttps://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/10/together-were-putting-adoptable-pets-in-the-spotlight/
https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2012/10/together-were-putting-adoptable-pets-in-the-spotlight/#commentsTue, 16 Oct 2012 18:59:57 +0000https://www.petfinder.com/blog/?p=3305There’s nothing better than being able to combine your personal passions with your day job. I am reminded of this constantly through my work with the Petfinder team. The past few weeks have been filled with lots of planning and outreach in celebration of Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month — from writing press …

]]>There’s nothing better than being able to combine your personal passions with your day job. I am reminded of this constantly through my work with the Petfinder team.

Animal Haven executive director Tiffany Lacey holds Brooke

The past few weeks have been filled with lots of planning and outreach in celebration of Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month — from writing press releases and booking interviews to blowing up balloons and talking to potential pet adopters.

Last week, a lot of our combined hard work came to fruition as Petfinder partnered with Animal Planet to host adoption events in Silver Spring, Maryland (home to Petfinder parent, Discovery Communications) and in New York City at Petfinder member Animal Haven‘s Soho home.

Our Silver Spring event featured dozens of adoptable dogs and cats (and one special rabbit), while also shining the light on the Animal Planet R.O.A.R. initiative with which the network partners with leading animal organizations to inspire people to make the world a better place for animals. While we’re still waiting for final reports, we’re fairly certain the event brought a few pets closer to finding their fur-ever homes.

Just two days later, we were up in New York City spreading the message of adoption. Animal Haven opened their doors to us and Animal Planet, who introduced their new line of wet grooming products (also making a donation of them to our host shelter). We met Rango, Marco, Ozzy, Brooke, Painter and countless other loving pups all deserving loving pet parents. Marco even hammed it up for the cameras as he got a mini makeover with the new Animal Planet products (I, personally, can attest to how soft he was post-bath.).

While these events reached hundreds of people, you hold the power to reach many more. Take to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other platforms to help us put (and keep) the spotlight on the hundreds of thousands of animals of all types looking for their match today — and all year round!